2018

Today we did the beach cleanup and the drive up to Mauna Kea. During the beach cleanup we picked up harmful plastics, metals, and trash like cigarettes that littered the beach. This was very special however because while doing this we got to see the second monk seal of the trip. Monk seals are the most endangered species in...

To begin the first full day our trip, our group set off to the Hawaii Ocean Science & Technology to explore various Hawaiian companies that our harness varying temperatures of ocean water to help expand their startup pursuits. First, we visited the Natural Energy Laboratory of Hawaii to learn about how the authority uses both shallow and deep-water pipelines...

We started our day on the Zodiac boat. They're like really fast pontoon boats, and they're used by the Navy Seals. We sailed a few miles off shore and there we saw some Short-Finned Pilot Whales. They were all in groups of females with one male, that was larger than the females. There was even a neonatal pup, probably...

Today was my first day in Hawaii, and the place we're staying at is great. Our flight was pretty long, and we had a 3 hour layover, in which we ate. The weather is very humid in comparison to Dallas, but at least it's cooler. When we arrived at Homes for Kona, we found out that there were several...

On our fifth day I was one of the many who was not allowed to go on the black water dive due to a negative that could affect the safety of me or my fellow divers. To substitute for the black water dive we went to multiple places. The first stop was NELHA. At NELHA we were taken underneath...

What am I most excited about / looking forward to? I have to say I am most excited about A) bonding with fellow Jesuit brothers and getting to learn in an environment where we are all able to experience the same things together. B) exploring multiple reefs, species, and learning about Astronomy and finally C) Learning about a subject that...

With only one dive remaining in the day, I woke up Friday morning with excitement. We started off our day back at the NELHA facility and entered the incredible deep water air conditioned room. We climbed down into a small, compacted, and cool room. Our guide explained to us again about how the room cooled and how it helped...

Today was my second day exploring the Big Island of Hawaii. My group, the Siphonophores, were exploring the depths of Pololu Valley. At the begging of the hike, I was walking right next to my buddy Braxton, and of course I slipped and almost fell of the cliff entirely! Luckily I got the edge and Braxton actually pulled...

We started our day of we a Zodiac boat tour. This allowed us to visit outstanding snorkel spots like Captain Cooke's Corner. On the way to the snorkel spot, we were greeted by a pod of short finned pilot whales with a new born in the group. I thought these large animals were logs at first as they would...